Why? The Podcast

Jerry Martini has had a fascinating career. He helped put together Sly and the Family Stone. He's played with Prince. He's still touring with the Family Stone Band. For more information and tour dates, check out their website.

Not too many actors can say they've appeared on screen with John Belushi and Jason Vorhees, and also in over 3,000 episodes of a soap opera. But Lauren-Marie Taylor has done just that.For more information and to find out where she's be appearing next, check out her website.

Miist found music as part of her journey to find happiness. Now, taking what she learned along the way, she is helping others with a new book, her podcast and her music. For more information, check out her website.

Nikki Mammano's memoir, "Breaking Good," is a harrowing if not eventually uplifting story, telling the story of how a drug dealer in Hawaii became one of the biggest dealers in the state and then how she was able to rebuild a sustainable and positive life when it all came crashing down.For more information, check out her website.

For decades Scott Michaels has been leading people around Los Angeles to see some of the death sites of the famous and infamous. And now he's taken the tour on-line and is sharing items in his collection (Jayne Mansfield's car, Don Rickles' fan, etc.) and so much more on YouTube.For more information, check out Scott's website or on YouTube.

Mark Mustian likes to explore fascinating worlds and then write about them. And his most recent book, Boy With Wings, is a great example of Mark's work. You can pick up a copy wherever you get your books. For more information, check out his website.

A new documentary, directed by friend of the show Jeffrey McHale explores the legend and legacy of the one and only Dorothy Gale from Kansas. It's now streaming on Peacock, but will be available elsewhere soon. 

How do you make Civil War history even more interesting? You build dioramas of important battles with cats, of course! (and then exhibit them in Gettysburg, PA) We talked with Rebecca, one of the two sisters responsible for this unique museum. For more information and to go visit them, (and you want to do that) check out their website.

What do you if you love the movie Jaws and want to share that love with people from around the world? Well, if you're Jon Fieldhouse, you build a boat that looks exactly like the one from the movie and offer tours.We talked with Jon about his hard work in building something that has ended up being incredibly moving for Jaws fans.For more information and to book your time aboard the Orca II, check out their website.

To know about Tura Satana is to know of her fascinating story of triumph and success amidst many, many challenges. There's a new documentary telling her full story openly and honestly. We sat down with director/producer Cody Jarrett and producer Siouxzan Perry to talk about movie, it's making, and their relationships with the woman herself."Tura!" is streaming now on many platforms. For more information, you can check out the movie's website.

The American Treasure Tour in Oaks, Pennsylvania is unlike any other museum or display you've ever seen. We'd try to describe it, but we really can't. Best to let someone who works there explain it all to you.For more information, check out their website, or you can follow them on Facebook.

Naomi Noel recently made headlines in an interview where she said that she made $12,000 a month with her feet pictures. Of course, there is more to Naomi, and we get into all of it. For more information, you can find all of Naomi's links at All My Links.

Enjoy this special episode from our sister show, "Rock n' Roll Grad School."Martin Popoff has a new book out. If that hasn't got your putting on your coat and heading out to your nearest bookstore, you clearly don't know Martin's work. But, if you don't, the new book is about Kiss in 1976- an important year in the band's history.  "Kiss 76" is available right now from Motor Books. The book isn't your typical "coffee table" book. It's a feast for your senses. Martin takes readers on a journey through time to track not only the band during the iconic year, but also a whole lot of everything else that made 50 years ago one for the ages. Our chat with Martin is always filled with interesting information for diehard and casual music fans alike. It's like being seated at a great dinner party.You may ask, "Does the world really need another KISS book?" The answer is unequivocally, "Yes, it needed this one."With photos rarely seen anywhere else and chock full of great facts, you won't be disappointed. Luke and Heidi have been talking about it for weeks. To get a copy for yourself, visit your local bookstore or order one wherever you buy your books. 

Courtney Boyer was trying to figure out what was going on in her life when she realized she was polyamorous. What is polyamory? Is that you? How do you figure it out? Courtney has written about her journey in the new book Opened, available anywhere you get books.For more information or to schedule a coaching session, check out her website.

You'll recognize Mendocino, California by sight- but you'll probably better know it as Cabbot Cove, home of best-selling mystery writer Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote.The Kelley House Museum is dedicated to keeping the history of Mendocino alive, partly through the celebration of the classic TV show. We sat down with Anne Semans, director of the Kelley House for a wonderful history lesson.For more information on the Kelley House Museum, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook.

Getting to the stage of the AVN Awards for any performer is a big deal. But hosting? Well, that's an whole other level. Abigaiil Morris just finished hosting the 2026 awards. And considering what she had to go through, that's quite the accomplishment.For more information on Abigaiil, check out her website, or follow her on Instagram.

Did you ever wonder what was going on behind the scenes at Match Game? Or what the relationship between Brett and Charles really was like? Thankfully, A Ashley Hoff as written the definitive history of one of the greatest game shows of all time. "Match Game 101" is published by Castle TNT Press. You can follow Ashley on Instagram. Plus, a special appeal to US Women's Hockey gold medalist Aerin Frankel to join us to talk salad.

It's a sport we've all had experience with. But this take on pillow fighting is something you may not be ready for. And before you go down that path of ladies at sleepovers, let us say this is an all out battle of athleticism, in the ring.With competitors from around the globe and in varying weight classes, The PMC brings a new form of fighting and entertainment together for events that are drawing fans around the world. The pros are made up of UFC fighters and athletes from an array of sports, but they've also made it a point to ensure all can participate. Amateurs and kids can get in on the action as well, with opportunities for all.The PFC is quickly becoming an ESPN favourite and we, of course, had to find out how we too could get in on the action. We spoke to PFC founder Steve Williams on how the sport began, the strategies to great fighting, and who he thinks would win between Heidi and Luke. You know this fight is happening one day and feathers will be flying! (Not from the actual PFC pillows though, those are far more hardcore)Put on your PJs, have a listen, and get ready for the action. For more information, check out the PFC website. To get right into the action, check out some of their key fights on their YouTube channel.

Singing is a great thing to do, even if you aren't great at it. Really. Don't believe us? Listen to Nadine, the creator and organizer of the Tuneless Choir.Ever been told you've got a lot of enthusiasm, but you just aren't suited for singing? Has the hook come out at karaoke night dragging you off the stage amidst what you thought was the greatest rendition of Wannabe by the Spice Girls?If your joy of singing has been quelched by musical purists, then we have the answer for you. Our chat with Nadine reminds us that we are all great singers and the health benefits of singing in a group, whether you're on pitch or not. The Tuneless Choir welcomes everyone to join in and rock out to songs like Bohemian Rhapsody with full force and enthusiasm with no judgement or cringing. This choir is designed to celebrate the pure joy of singing together and it has taken off on such a level that the choir is singing at major music festivals. Countries around the world are even looking to have their own Tuneless Choirs.Listening to the joy in Nadine's voice, you'll be hard pressed not to get why this is possibly the greatest idea ever conceived. All are welcome to join. Yes, even those who can sing well, but be warned, if you're too good you're definitely not getting a solo.  For more information, you can check out their website, or you can follow them on Facebook.

Everyone is looking for quality skincare that won't interfere with their skin regimen... how do you find it and how do you design it? Thankfully we have Genevieve Dolan, the creator of Golden Child Skincare.Does the world need more skincare products? Absolutely, yes. But what would make someone want to dive into this seemingly saturated market? Genevieve shares her story on what inspired her to create a skin-care system that's natural, full of botanicals, and designed to support sensitive skin.Genevieve gets real with how we all know deep inside we'll never consistently use a 10-step system, and why she has a simple 3-steps. She's down to earth and her journey to entrepreneurship is fascinating. Plus, her products sound absolutely delicious for your skin and soul. Have a listen. For more information and to order, check out their website. 

It's the newest sport that's sweeping the nation- slippery stairs. Like the best athletic pursuits, it is charmingly simple, but frustratingly complicated. Thankfully we have Paul Higgins, the mastermind behind Slippery Stairs to explain all.Slippery Stairs has taken the world by storm and is one of the most popular sports to hit ESPN8 the Ocho.With events across the world and new challenges being added all the time, this sport is limitless in its climb to the top. Of course, Heidi and Luke are ready to take each other on, and are already strategizing on their takedowns. If you haven't experienced the marvel that is this race, let us explain. Not only do competitors need to make their way up the truly slippery stairs, as they ascend there are items being thrown at them from the top to avoid, along with fellow climbers attempting to take them down. It is an intense, hilarious, and sometimes frustrating competition that everyone can get on board with. We asked Paul some inside tips for climbing, as well as how he conceived of creating this as a sport. It's a great conversation and an epic tale that's fascinating, fun. His story is also the perfect reminder of why we do what we do and that truly anything is possible. For more information, check out their website, or the Athletes in Motion Sports TV website.

How do you raise money for your community when it's facing a budget shortage? Get naked, of course! To order your copy of the calendar, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.Before you get your knickers in a bunch, there's nothing lewd or dirty about this calendar. No actual nudity is shown. The calendar features fun, cheeky photos and is all done in the spirit of fun and fundraising.Conceived to raise money for snow removal in their small town of Lakeview. OR, the Outback Naked Calendar came to be thanks to two women with a crazy idea. We spoke to one of the creators, Margot Dodd, about what it took to get people to take it all off for a cause (with strategically placed props hiding the naughty bits). Margot was a delight to talk to and the calendar has been flying off the shelves. It's gained so much attention that CBS News even did a feature on them.  Thanks to some international friends, the calendar has now been sent out globally to fans. Most importantly, they've raised their initial fundraising goal and the 2027 Calendar is already in the works. This homage to the film Calendar Girls has created an all new story for the ages of a community rallying together in a unique way for what's important. Even some of the. biggest naysayers have come around after seeing the finished product. We love this story and the calendar itself is proudly hanging in our offices! 

Created while Kermit was still a tadpole, "Sam & Friends" was a program that Jim Henson produced alongside his future wife Jane in the 1960s. That program led to the creation of the Muppets, clearly one of the greatest artistic achievements of the last century, if not longer.Craig Shemin, who has worked with the Henson company for decades, has written two books detailing this important moment in Henson's creative birth. "Sam & Friends: The Story of Jim Henson's First Television Show" and "The Sam & Friends Script Book" fill in gaps of Henson knowledge a lot of us are lacking.Throughout our conversation we dive deep into not only the "Sam & Friends" story and its evolution into all things Muppet, but we even got into some inside scoop on what life is like with Miss. Piggy, something Craig knows a lot about. As well as what kind of treasures Jim's archives might hold. Our interview with Craig is irresistible for anyone who's ever been a fan of anything Henson whether it be "Sesame Street", "Fraggle Rock", "Labyrinth", "Muppet Christmas Carol" or "The Dark Crystal."  For more information on the books, check out the website, and for more information on Craig, check out his website.

Dan Hawkins, also known as DH Johnathan is about to release his newest book, "Propagation" on January 20th. We talked with Dan about the book and his lifetime spent working as a nude art model. For more information, check out Dan's author website.

What better way to kick off a new year than by looking at how we can reset and find balance in our lives? We talked with Health and Wellness Expert, Cassie Sobelton, about her new book The Power Reset, what inspired her to reset aspects of her own life, and how we can incorporate simple but impactful changes into our lives. Cassie shares her story of overcoming seemingly insurmountable health challenges and the continued work she does through spirituality, boundaries, self-care, and continued growth and experience.. She's a highly respected pro in this field, but her conversation and writing is relatable in a way that even the "non-believers" may find something they can gain from it. Let's be honest, she put up with our co-hosts and even had tips that Luke and Heidi could incorporate into dealing with each other. Anyone who can help two co-hosts with zero boundaries with one another except state lines and the internet has to be the best there is!It's a great conversation, a lot of fun, and an inspiring way to kick of 2026! Have a listen and enjoy! For more information including a free sample chapter of Cassie's book, check out Cassie's website.For information on Cassie's wellness products including the sports cream that Heidi claims, saved her life, (she may be a bit dramatic, but we do believe her when she says it's great! ) Click here.You can also follow her on instagram @cassiesobelton and Facebook at Facebook.com/cassiesobelton.Follow Why? The Podcast:FacebookInstagramYouTube

With the year drawing to a close, we take a review over the 52 episodes and the new friends we've made along the way.

As we wrap up 2025, we play some of our favorite holiday music that you likely can't find elsewhere. Enjoy and we'll be back next week with a look at the year in Why!

Cherie DeVille achieved fame through her work in adult films. But it's not all sunshine and hot tubs in the world of porn, and Cherie has learned how to successfully navigate a difficult industry and to not only come out on top, but has done so repeatedly. For more information on Cherie, you can check out her website or you can follow her on Instragram and TikTok.

Titanic is, of course, one of the biggest movies of all time. And when it was released on VHS, it probably goes without saying, it was a really big deal. And for one man, it was life changing. Josh started collecting copies of the movie on VHS. First one, than a few more and... well, he's at 5,000 and still growing.And now Josh has opened a museum dedicated to Titanic on VHS. Want to visit? Send in your copy on VHS? Check out Josh's Facebook page, or follow him on Instagram.

Divorce is difficult, no matter how you look at it. But what if you could come out of the process with a positivity and an outlook that would put you in a better place for both financial and emotional success? That's what Meagan Norris is offering. Meagan is a divorce coach. And she's been helping women reshape the narrative and succeed. For more information, you can check out her website, or follow her on Instagram.

Seth Neblett's book Mothership Connected is a fascinating, first-hand look inside the mothership that was Parliament Funkadelic. (As well as the side projects The Parlets, The Brides of Funkenstein and many more.) Seth tells the stories of the women who were part of this one-of-a-kind group and allows them to explain their role. It's a fascinating read and easily one of the best music books of the year.Mothership Connected is available right now from University of Texas press.

Looking to take your gaming to a new level? Try competitive Scrabble. The game is growing in popularity and the competition to find the best is riveting. We sat down with John Chew, the CEO of the North American Scrabble Players Association to learn about the history of the game and how it has grown to what it is today.For more information about the North American Scrabble Players Association and their tournaments, you can check out their website.

Brian Wilson was a musical genius. And a new re-issue highlights his brilliance in live performance. And if there's anyone who can talk about Wilson's work it's David Leaf. He's literally written the book (well, 2, actually) as well as made the movie about Brian. Brian Wilson- Live at The Roxy Theater is available right now wherever you get your music.

1990's rock was an exciting time. Nevermind (no pun intended) Nirvana, what about Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, The Meat Puppets, Primus and Smashing Pumpkins?In his new book, Greg Prato gets the full story of the era from the folks who lived it. Alternative for the Masses by Greg Prato is available right now wherever you get your books.

Paul Gambino is an expert in mourning, death and all sorts of macabre interests. And in his new book, Beyond the Veil: The Victorian Obsession with Death and Mourning is a fascinating look at one era's way of remembering those who have passed.Beyond the Veil is available right now wherever you get your books. For more information and to learn about Paul and his other books, check out his website.

Paul Gambino is an expert in mourning, death and all sorts of macabre interests. And in his new book, Beyond the Veil: The Victorian Obsession with Death and Mourning is a fascinating look at one era's way of remembering those who have passed.Beyond the Veil is available right now wherever you get your books. For more information and to learn about Paul and his other books, check out his website.

We know we say it all the time, but Ivy Austin is really a fascinating person. From her work on Broadway, in film and on television, to her work as a therapist in New York, she has led a unique and memorable life.For more information on her acting, you can check out her website, and for more information on her work as a therapist, check out her Couples Therapy website.

Liz West has the greatest collection of Spice Girls items in the world. Don't believe us? Ask the Guinness folks. And if that isn't enough, some of what she got from the Spice Girls has inspired her art career. To get a glimpse of her collection, check out her website. And if you want to see some of her really fascinating art on display, check out her art site.

Lucy Wightman has had a fascinating life. From learning how to become a dancer at The Naked i, located in Boston's infamous Combat Zone, to a relationship with Cat Stevens to so much more. And now she's written it all up in her book, Princess Cheyenne: My Life as Boston's Most Famous Stripper, now available wherever you get your books.For more information, you can follow her on Facebook, or visit her website.

Film writer Tom Huddleston has penned a great tribute and study of filmmaker, artist and musician David Lynch. Huddleston's David Lynch: His Work, His World is the perfect coffee table book to unnerve your friends, but also a wonderful delve into all things Lynch. David Lynch: His Work, His World is available now, wherever you get books.

Did you know the first town lit by nuclear power in the US was in Idaho? Did you know you could tour the reactor that created this amazing advancement in power? We talk with Shelly Norman, the senior tour advisor from the EBR-1 Museum (that's the Experimental Breeder Reactor if you're not into the whole brevity thing). For more information, check out their website. 

With Taylor Swift's 12th record about to come out, we thought it a good time to explore what has come before with two experts- Kase Wickman and Moira McAvoy, co-authors (with Joanna Weiss), authors of Taylor Swift: Album by Album, available from Motorbooks wherever you get your books on October 10th.

Tony Goldmark is known for creating in-depth videos exploring all aspects of the Walt Disney corporation, from its theme parks to it's cinematic output. And with his podcast, Escape from Vault Disney, Tony and his guests visit another film available on Disney+.You can find Escape from Vault Disney wherever you get your podcasts and you can find Tony's Some Jerk with a Camera videos on YouTube under @TonyGoldmark.

No guests, just conversation. Where is this whole thing going? Do we have good stuff upcoming? What do you think, slappy?

To hear David Ackles is to be enchanted by his voice and his music. And, for some reason, he never reached a large audience. Now, a new book by Mark Brend, Down River: In Search of David Ackles, tells his whole story. The book is available wherever you get your books on August 22nd.

Everybody loves Jessica Fletcher. And now, with Tim Benzie as your guide, he'll bring you on an evening's worth of entertainment with his "Solve-Along Murder, She Wrote." Will the audience solve the crime before Jessica? And why is she so popular after decades of leaving the air?For more information about Tim and to find out where he is performing, (and hopefully it's near you, you can check out his website, or follow him on Instagram- @solvealongmurdershewrote).

A couple of weekends ago, the Association for Nude Recreation held their annual convention, celebrating all things in non-sexual nudity. We teamed up with former guest John Jankowski from We Bare All, a group in Wisconsin, who we've been working with to produce their podcast... Where do things stand today?

There's knowing The Beatles, and then there's knowing how George likes his hair done. Leslie Cavendish is one of the few people in the world who can lay claim to the latter. And in his book, "The Cutting Edge," he details his work and friendship with the Fab Four. From The Magical Mystery Tour to the final performance on the top of Apple Records, Leslie was there. "The Cutting Edge," by Leslie Cavendish is available right now from Barnes and Noble, and you can get signed copies (and learn more about his personal guided tours of London) from his website.

Who doesn't like a good rock and pop record? Well, the family (take that, Partridges) that makes up Secret Monkey Weekend do, and their new record, Lemon Drop Hammer proves it and then some.For more information, check out their website.

We don't need to tell you how we feel about mascots in these parts. Thankfully, former close friend of the Philadelphia Phanatic feels the same. We talk with Dave about the Hall of Fame and his experience in the sports mascot business.For more information about the hall of fame, check out their website. And for more information about Dave and his work, check out his website.